Little Hearts of Hope, a faith-based 501(c)(3), has been serving children ages 4-14 since 2014. Founded by Kerri Steele, a mom of three who lost her husband to cancer, the nonprofit was born from a deeply personal mission: to help children navigate the emotional toll of a parent's or sibling’s cancer diagnosis—and to equip parents with tools to support them.
Children in these circumstances often suffer in silence, experiencing anxiety, isolation, and anger. In fact, psychologist-in-training Katie Davis, in collaboration with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the Pediatric Oncology Student Training grant, found that two-thirds of children with a parent or sibling fighting cancer qualify for a PTSD diagnosis.
Little Hearts of Hope steps in with monthly activity kits that use art and play to help kids express themselves and feel less alone. Creative expression is a powerful coping skill, giving children safe ways to process their thoughts and emotions.
Based in Texas but serving families nationwide, the organization has helped over 1,200 children process their feelings in healthy, hopeful ways. Kits arrive addressed to each child by name and are filled with age-appropriate tools, guided activities, and encouraging messages.
Parents consistently report improvements in communication, emotional regulation, and sibling connection. Many share that the kits are the only consistent support their children receive.
Through consistent, creative care, Little Hearts of Hope helps restore joy and stability to young lives disrupted by cancer. Each kit is more than an activity—it’s a reminder that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
Little Hearts of Hope doesn’t just provide activity kits—it builds a sense of connection children can count on month after month. “It’s like getting a hug in the mail,” one parent shared. The approach is simple but effective: support emotional health through creative expression, foster resilience, and remind each child they are not forgotten.
Children enrolled in the program receive a themed packet each month that encourages them to explore feelings common for children going through a traumatic experience such as fear, anger, or hope. Projects include therapeutic activity books, making worry trees, decorating prayer jars, and creating family crests. Each packet also includes a letter to the parent on how to help their child with that particular emotion. Each mailing is designed by mental health professionals and reviewed for age appropriateness and emotional impact.
What sets Little Hearts of Hope apart is its accessibility and consistency. Any family in the U.S. facing pediatric or parental cancer can request free enrollment. The organization relies entirely on donors, sponsors, and grants to continue mailing these essential resources.
Locally, the nonprofit is seeking funding to expand its reach by serving more families and hiring a part-time employee. It also partners with hospitals, schools, and churches to raise awareness and build a supportive community network.
There are many ways to get involved. Volunteers are needed to help assemble kits, host supply drives, join the prayer team, or serve on a committee. Donations of $40 sponsor one child’s kit for a month, while $480 covers a full year of support for a child.
Community groups, youth organizations, and businesses can participate through service projects, sponsorships, or by “adopting” a child or family. Whether you’re an individual, family, or company, your involvement can bring real hope to children facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.littleheartsofhope.org.
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